#IceBucketChallenge for ALS

#IceBucketChallenge for ALS

It's taken over social media, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Have you already taken the ALS challenge for awareness? Would you?

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - It's taken over social media, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Have you already taken the ALS challenge for awareness? Would you?

"Why are you dumping ice water on your head?" questioned one local resident, John Peranteau.

"I would donate money for research but would I dump ice water on my head? Probably not," said Kathy Barr, of Hagerstown.

Even though some people have never even heard of it before, it's something that's sweeping social media, and Dr. Stuart Goodman explains why it's such an important cause.

"I think it's a good idea to bring people's attention to this disease. Most people will not have known anyone with the illness itself. So, let's become aware of it, let's see if we can come up with more research money, and hopefully find a cure, or a treatment," said Goodman, a neurologist.

He says, thankfully, he only sees around one patient a year with ALS, but there's no cure, and they don't know what causes people to develop Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"It's not genetic, it'll suddenly begin in a particular individual. In Lou Gehrig, for example, it started in the cervical spine area. It began affecting his arms, his hands. It's a progressive disease. Most patients, once they're diagnosed, unfortunately, only live for one or two more years, a few may live further, but we have no treatments,” Goodman said.

And although there's no known cure right now, the ice challenge is bringing awareness and hope for the future, outside of the laboratory.

Reporter Caitlin Francis was nominated by her cousin, and accepted the challenge. Here’s what she had to say:

"I'm nominating the whole community to do their part, whether that be to take the plunge themselves, getting dumped with some ice water, or just donating a little bit of money. I'm also going to nominate my fellow co-workers, Merris Badcock, Nate Stewart, and Amy Hudak. You've got 24 hours. Good luck!”

If you’re interested in donating to ALS research, visit this website for more information.

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